Brand buckled, his knees hitting the marble with a booming crack.
The spear vanished and vines loosened, and sensation rushed back into Brand’s body with the first free gulp of air. And still, there was only one thought worth expressing.
“Where is Araxis?” he rumbled, fighting to keep himself steady. They’d trap him again if they knew how close he was to the edge.
The Imperial Family picked through the wreckage, almost bored, but slightly worse for wear. His parents murmured to the couple of brave guards and servants who’d remained. Vann and Amun were brushing themselves off. Magnus was retying his robe, an oozing cut on his cheek. Amal had a wary eye fixed on Brand.
No Araxis.
“Release me.”
“You need to keep breathing, son,” Alwyn murmured. Calm and gentle, like it could possibly make a difference. Only half paying attention as he continued doling out whatever instructions. “As soon as you’re calm, we’ll talk.”
“I’m as calm as I’m going to be until I find my mate,” Brand growled. “Araxis took her, and I want to fucking know where?—”
“I’m here.”
Araxis appeared from the ether, chin held high—as if he hadn’t bloody betrayed him.
“What the fuck did you do?”
The arsehole only stood taller. “As I was asked.”
Brand’s markings blazed over his skin, the red doubling back over his vision, and he had to fight against every particle of his warping flesh to stay sane.
“Bywho?”
It was possible Luna hadn’t chosen to leave. That her worst nightmares had come to fruition, and the Council?—
“Lunara, herself.” Araxis dared a step closer, his tone more suited for a wounded animal. “While she stood over your sprawled body after ripping your consciousness away.”
Brand sneered, flashing his fangs. “Do not twist her actions to manipulate me, snake. I know her to the marrow.”
“Please, Brand. Let her go.”
Never.
This wasn’t the first, or even the hundredth, time Brand had nearly leveled Argoph in a fit of rage. For once, he was glad.
Used to it, his family’s mistake was their nonchalance in the aftermath.
He pretended to consider his brother’sasinine suggestion, gentling his features. One breath, two… Ice melting, vines slipping a little more… Their attention drifting further…
Brand called a solid wall of stone as he lunged through their half-arsed bindings, his fist plowing into Araxis’s face before the bastard could mist his way out of the blow. Another swing, and he snatched Araxis by the neck, bringing them eye-to-eye.
He paid no mind to the others shouting on the other side of the enclosure. “Where is she?”
“I told her I wouldn’t stop you looking. That doesn’t mean I intend to help you to your own ruin.Let her go.”
“I would rather die.”
“Funny.” Araxis raised a dark brow. “Isn’t that what she was trying to do toget awayfrom you?”
“You think this is fucking funny?” Brand shook him, ignoring the hot lance of agony buried in his chest. “How dare you say such a thing to me.”
“I’m sorry, that was?—”
“Fuck your half-arsed apology.Where?”
